Doctor Who: 10 Actors Who Should Replace Peter Capaldi
The 12th Doctor has confirmed he's leaving the TARDIS, so who should be number 13?
Peter Capaldi's time in the TARDIS is coming to an end.
Following showrunner Steven Moffat's lead, the 12th iteration of The Doctor has announced that he will be leaving Doctor Who at the end of 2017, following Series 10 (after which Moffat will leave) and then this year's Christmas Special (which will be overseen by new showrunner Chris Chibnall).
It's a shame to see Capaldi go, with the actor really just starting to hit his stride as the Doctor, and it would've been interesting to see a Doctor work with two different showrunners over full seasons.
It also means that, once again, it's time for the speculation to begin. The bookies have already named their favourites, including the likes of Richard Ayoade (who, while hilarious, may become grating over a 13 episode series), with former Doctors Matt Smith, David Tennant, and Christopher Eccleston all in the mix too (but really, that's not gonna happen).
So who could replace Capaldi? Someone younger? Older? A person of colour? A *gasp* woman?! Let's take a look at some plausible candidates who really should be considered for the role.
10. Ben Whishaw
Why He'd Be Great
Based on appearances, Ben Whishaw would be a return to the tried-and-trusted Who model of handsome, floppy-haired young men that worked so well with Tennant and Smith. And to a degree that's true, and not necessarily a bad thing either.
But Whishaw, through roles in Criminal Justice, The Hour, London Spy, and the Bond films - as Q - has shown that he'd have plenty to offer. He can do the weird alien type, but can just as easily be charming, with a sharp wit. He could bring a more whimsical tone to the TARDIS, but, if challenged, could also channel a darker side too.
Chances Of It Happening
Decent. He's been linked with the role previously, and has been installed as the early frontrunner by the bookies this time around. That's a promising sign, although he did previously distance himself from the part back in 2013, because of his role as Q in Bond.
That said, his upcoming slate is fairly clear - there's Paddington 2 this year, Mary Poppins Returns next, and presumably whenever the next Bond film happens he'll be there. But he's not adverse to TV, and if he wanted a regular starring role, this would be a great opportunity.